"We are extremely proud of this achievement and recognition given by an international world body like FIABCI. As the country's number one property developer, we hold our heads high as we carry the Malaysian flag abroad," said S P Setia Bhd's group president and chief executive officer, Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, who received the award in Cyprus last night.

The award ceremony this year saw 15 winners from nine countries namely the United States, China, India, Malaysia, Brazil, Russia, Hungary, Singapore and Cyprus, said a statement released by the company here today.

This marks the second Prix d'Excellence Award for Setia Eco Park following its 2007 win in the Master Plan Category.

S P Setia is the only Malaysian developer to be recognised three times as winner at the global level by FIABCI where its Setia Eco Gardens in Johor Bahru also won the Prix d'Excellence Award for Best Development Master Plan in 2009.

Liew said a second international recognition from FIABCI for S P Setia's Precint 3, Setia Eco Park, showed the world what Malaysia was capable of when it came to creating world class developments.

The 791-acre Setia Eco Park is S P Setia’s flagship eco concept development that started in 2004.

Seven years on, the freehold development has not only transformed the landscape for high-end developments, but has also inspired others in Malaysia and around the world to do the same.

FIABCI is the French acronym for The International Real Estate Federation which represents the world's real estate professions through its Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations Organisation.

With chapters currently operating in more than 60 countries, FIABCI represents every discipline in the industry and links thousands of real estate professionals worldwide. - By Business Times